With John Cain Arena (formally Melbourne Arena) out of action because of coronavirus restrictions and the Australian Open, Melbourne United will move three games to Bendigo, including its season-opener against crosstown rival the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday, January 10.

The other two matches are against the New Zealand Breakers on Friday, January 15 and the Brisbane Bullets on Sunday, February 7.

Bendigo Stadium hosted Melbourne United and the Sydney Kings in a pre-season match in 2018 and staged the NBL Blitz pre-season competition the same year.

This time around United and its opponents will be playing for keeps.

"The Bendigo Basketball Stadium is first-class and will allow Melbourne United to present our game day to the high standard our fans and sponsors have come to expect," Melbourne United CEO Vince Crivelli said.

"We are looking forward to showcasing our club to new fans from regional Victoria who may not have had a chance to get to Melbourne to enjoy one of our home games before.

"It is also a chance for our Melbourne-based fans to get out of the city for a day or two and experience all the City of Greater Bendigo has to offer. There is so much to see and do in the region, so I would really encourage our fans to come up early and enjoy themselves.

"The club is also looking to work with the City of Greater Bendigo to turn this into a regular event each season. A number of our players and coaches hail from and have represented country Victoria at a number of levels, so to go back and play elite level basketball is great for both our brand and our sport.

"We are disappointed to not be able to play these games on our usual home court, but we feel as though we have made the absolute best out of a bad situation."

Tickets to Melbourne United's home games in Bendigo will go on sale to the public at 1pm on Monday, December 28 via www.ticketek.com.au.

Details are still to be finalised as to how many patrons will be able to attend the matches.

After finishing fourth last season, Melbourne United appears well-placed to improve this season, with former NBA player and New Zealand Breakers star Scotty Hopson and Australian Boomers big man Jock Landale joining the team.

Read more: Catch up on all the latest basketball news

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